Abstract:
Soil profile descriptions from the a number of disturbed and undisturbed sites in the vicinity of Scott Base and McMurdo Station, including Crater Hill, Observation Hill, and Home Beach at Cape Evans was carried out in the 2008-2009 field season. 33 soil samples from 8 soil pits were taken. Soil profile descriptions from the vicinity of Scott Base and McMurdo Station, including Crater Hill, ... Observation Hill, Cape Evans, Marble Point, Cape Roberts, and Lake Vanda and vicinity in the Wright Valley, were also carried out in the 2009-2010 field season. 104 soil samples and complementary microbial subsamples were taken. The data collected from both seasons includes: GPS location, colour, texture, evidence of salts, weathering stage, depth to ice-cemented permafrost, parent material and landform following USDA Soil Taxonomy classification. All profiles were sampled for bulk density and water content in the field, and for chemical (pH, EC, 1:5 extract for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, NO3, SO4) and particle-size analyses. Soil disturbance by foot traffic was assessed at 36 sites in the 2008/2009 season and at 49 sites in the 2009/2010 season (using McLeod, in press). Soil Vulnerability Index of boot imprints was used. A modified Campbell et al. (1993) Visual Site Assessment classification was undertaken at each site. 6 infrared track counters were installed at recreational walking tracks on Crater Hill, Observation Hill, Wind Vane Hill at Cape Evans, and the shortcut track between Scott Base and McMurdo Station. GPS locations are provided.